An Alexandria learning center has been chosen to host an open casting call for a new Netflix children’s competition show.
Code Ninjas Alexandria will serve as a casting site for “Schooled,” a national competition series created by Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer who worked on the Mars Curiosity rover and now runs an engineering school called CrunchLabs Academy.
In the show, teams of children ages 9 to 17 will tackle real-world challenges using creativity, problem-solving and engineering skills. The production is seeking kids with strengths in creative thinking, science, hands-on building and robotics.
David Ryan, owner and managing director at Code Ninjas Alexandria, told ALXnow the center’s involvement gives local families a “structured, guided way to participate” in the series.
“When I’m in the center, I frequently hear kids talking about Mark Rober and CrunchLabs,” Ryan said. “What a wonderful way to be involved in this process of creating a new show.”
Casting sessions can be reserved at Code Ninjas Alexandria (4694 King Street Suite 15), from 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 14 and 30. Staff will help children record their audition videos and ensure submissions are properly delivered to the casting team. Children may audition individually or in pairs with classmates, friends, STEM program partners or relatives.
“This creates an expedited pathway and higher-quality submission experience,” Ryan said. “I am looking forward to meeting all the bright STEM minded kids and seeing all the auditions in our center and the process of casting for the new show!”
Selected contestants will travel to Los Angeles from June 22 to July 17 for three to four weeks of filming. All travel, accommodations, meals and transportation will be covered, along with a $2,000 weekly stipend. A parent or guardian must accompany each contestant.
“Our series is about giving kids a stage big enough for their ideas,” Rober said via a Netflix news release. “This will be the ultimate playground for science, creativity, and competition to come together. I’m so pumped to see what these students come up with.”
Families interested in auditioning can submit an application through CrunchLabs Academy.
